The Indonesia MICE industry is preparing for a significant boost as the Ministry of Tourism hosts two major international events in October 2025: the Southeast Asia Business Events Forum (SEABEF) and the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF).
Both events, set to take place at the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in PIK 2, Banten, aim to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a global player in tourism and business events. With their combined focus on collaboration, sustainability, and innovation, SEABEF and WITF represent a milestone for the sector.
Indonesia MICE Industry Shows Strong Potential
Indonesia’s MICE industry demonstrates both strength and opportunity. The International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA) ranks Indonesia 37th worldwide, 10th in Asia-Pacific, and 4th in ASEAN for MICE activities. These rankings highlight Indonesia’s potential, but they also show room for growth.
The Ministry of Tourism reported significant achievements in 2025 from supported events. These included attracting 10.8 million visitors, involving 95,000 workers, engaging 14,800 MSMEs, and generating Rp11.82 trillion in economic circulation.
Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana emphasized this opportunity, stating, “These figures only cover events directly supported by the Ministry. Imagine the scale if we included all events nationwide. This is the massive potential we must harness and manage optimally.”
Southeast Asia Business Events Forum 2025
SEABEF 2025 will mark the first regional forum dedicated to Southeast Asia’s business events industry. Scheduled for October 10–11, the forum will carry the theme “Strengthening Southeast Asia Event Industry through Sustainability Practice, Strategic Investment, and Collaborative Efforts.”
The event will bring together panelists and experts, including industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, to discuss challenges and opportunities.
Minister Widiyanti highlighted the importance of the forum, saying, “We invite business event practitioners to share knowledge, experiences, and networks so that Indonesia’s event industry can advance, innovate, and deliver positive contributions.
SEABEF 2025 will become a birthplace of innovative ideas covering the full spectrum of the event industry.” The forum aims to strengthen dialogue, build partnerships, and create practical solutions that enhance regional competitiveness.
Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair Showcases Global Appeal
Running alongside SEABEF, the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) will be held on October 9–12 at the same venue. Organized by the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI), WITF serves as a strategic platform to promote Indonesian destinations to local and international markets.
The 2025 edition will feature 300 exhibitors and 200 buyers from 40 countries. Interest is already strong, with 3,200 B2B appointment settings confirmed, surpassing the 2,500 recorded in 2024.
WITF will also include consumer shows to engage the wider public. Minister Widiyanti expressed her enthusiasm: “Through WITF, we welcome buyers, domestic tourists, and international travelers to directly experience the richness of Indonesia’s tourism.”
GIPI Chairman Hariyadi Sukamdani noted the growing momentum. “We expect this number to keep growing as the event approaches, creating greater opportunities for transactions,” he said. WITF reflects the industry’s determination to expand Indonesia’s global tourism reach.
Sustainable Event Practices and Tourism Investment
Sustainability and investment will be central themes in both SEABEF and WITF. SEABEF will emphasize sustainable event practices as vital for the long-term growth of the industry.
According to Deputy for Event Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Vinsensius Jemadu, “We expect SEABEF to generate new ideas, business opportunities, and policy recommendations to strengthen Southeast Asia’s business events industry.”
Meanwhile, WITF will highlight tourism investment through a Familiarisation Trip. The Ministry of Tourism will host 45 travel agents and tour operators from Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
After attending WITF, they will explore Indonesia’s leading destinations before concluding with business matching sessions in Bali. This initiative underscores Indonesia’s commitment to linking sustainability with investment opportunities in tourism.
Strengthening Indonesia’s Global Tourism Presence
The combined impact of SEABEF and WITF 2025 illustrates Indonesia’s determination to strengthen its MICE industry and expand its tourism influence.
These events represent a collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and international partners, all united in showcasing Wonderful Indonesia on the global stage.
Minister Widiyanti summarized this vision: “We believe that through this strong partnership, discussions, and collaboration, Indonesia’s tourism industry will become more resilient, competitive, and showcase the beauty and diversity of our country to the world.”
By aligning sustainability, investment, and collaboration, Indonesia is positioning itself as a leading destination for both tourism and business events.
Source: kemenpar.go.id
Image: kemenpar.go.id
